Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
In the midst of the Roscommon celebrations we were unaware of the tragic event that was happening in our community on Monday morning 11th May. The sudden and tragic death of one our friendliest, compassionate and sincere ladies Betty Murphy, Ballyleague brought great shock and lots of tears to so many eyes when the sad news broke. Betty, formerly a native of Ballinameen, Co. Roscommon became a very popular figure from the first time she arrived in our community. She had a distinctive voice that made her instantly recognisable but it was the warmth of her personality, her hearty laugh that lit up many a room and her caring nature that endeared her to everyone that had the pleasure to know her. Betty in her life had a number of jobs and she was dearly loved by everyone but it was not until she began working at Mullingar Hospital that she really found her rightful place and a position that represented her caring, compassion, concern for others. Betty was a lady that had a deeply ingrained faith. She was a lady that rarely was idle and her green fingers for gardening and flowers had her excited for the growing season ahead. In her spare time she loved to read and she was a lady that could debate the merit and demerits of her reading. Betty touched all our lives and made us all the richer by her presence and her passing leaves us the poorer but the memory of Betty in our lives will forever live on.
Betty’s remains reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home on Wednesday last before being removed to St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro. On Thursday the Mass of the Resurrection took place followed by burial in Cloontuskert Cemetery. We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband, Joe, her sisters Una, Bernie, Angela and Catherine, her brothers Seamus, Anthony, Francis and Padraig, her mother-in-law Bridie, relatives and her great number of friends.
Very Important Community Survey
When browsing through Social Media over the weekend I came across two very interesting entries, one was put up by Sean Mimnagh that I will deal with this week and the other next week.
Sean writes” Longford Co. Co. and himself have now reached the stage where your input and ideas are needed to help move the proposed Lanesboro Community Centre forward”.
You are invited to go on his Facebook page and follow the link to take the County Council survey.
This is a very important survey with the opportunity to express your views on Lanesboro and the more that take the survey the more insight into some of the needs of Lanesboro.
International Award winner
Ronan Lyons was announced a winner of Technological University of the Shannon Midlands Award at the National SciFest Final in Dublin earlier in the year. This award also afforded Ronan the opportunity to be part of the Irish team at the annual Regeneron ISEF Awards in Phoenix, Arizona that took place last week.
This event has a worldwide audience and also a worldwide reach to scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and inventors. The Regeneron ISEF acknowledges that more than 1,700 young people that came together at the Phoenix Convention Center for a week of events, connecting with their peers and global STEM leaders.
While Ronan’s Biomedical Engineering project ‘Capill: Compliance Aid Promoting Independent Living Long-term’ gained great reviews nationally it was going to be interesting to see how it would be received on an international stage. His concept was so well received that he was awarded the prestigious Broadcom Foundation Award thus gaining international recognition for his wonderful Compliance Aid Promoting Independent Living Long-term project.
Ronan is a Leaving Cert student in Lanesboro Community College (LCC) and he is son of LCC teacher Michael Lyons and Mary O’Brien.
We are absolutely thrilled and delighted for Ronan on his wonderful success and we wish him the very best in his Leaving Cert and in his future.
Church Gate Collection
St. Christopher’s Services, Longford, will hold their Annual Church Gate Collection on Saturday next 23rd and Sunday 24th may. Your usual generosity will again be appreciated for this very essential service in our county.
First Chapters – Early Years Service
First Chapters – Early Years Service will be opening its doors in the townsland of Clonbonny (on the Longford Road), with their brand new custom built early years service. The building will house 3 purpose –designed rooms for different stages of development.
You are invited to register your interest for; Baby Room, Toddler Room and Preschool Room. With place being limited you are advised to make early bookings by contacting Úna today by emailing firstchapters@hotmail.com
Tremendous work is on-going in preparation of the opening by Michael Hanley and his wife Úna and there is no doubt that it will be a state of the art facility for all the young children using First Chapters.
Michael and Úna are also opening A First Chapters in Roscommon Town in the new Oldwood Housing Estate.
Recruiting
Úna is recruiting Lead Early Years Educators, Early Years Educators and a Crèche Cook. If you are available for any of those positions you are asked to email Úna at firstchapters@hotmail.com
50th Anniversary this Sunday
Rathcline GAA invites you to their 50th anniversary of the club’s 1976 County Senior Football Championship success. This celebration will take place in the club grounds at Clonbonny on Sunday 24th May. You are invited to join the club and parish as they recognise this historic achievement of the great team, players and management. The club looks forward to welcoming you and the club heroes of 1976.
The schedule of events is as follows:
12 noon guests and parish start to arrive in Clonbonny
12 to 1pm Meet and chat in the marquee
1pm Club Mass
1.40pm Presentations to the 1976 team
2.30pm A three course meal for the 1976 team and invited guests in the clubhouse.
Lanesboro Reconnection Bord na Mona and ESB
Since the 1950 right up to this very day Bord na Mona and ESB have been playing a very vital part in our community and the surrounding communities.
Irrespective of whether we worked or our family member worked in either company we grew, played and made some wonderful friends and we created so many memories.
With the continual prompting from Harry Hennessy and the amazing reaction of the meeting between Cecil Keaveney and Richard Farrelly it was decided to make a call country and worldwide for everyone that lived, worked, for no matter how short or long a time, to come to Lanesboro and Ballyleague for a Reconnection on Saturday 26th September.
The group is asking anyone with any old or new photographs relating to their times on Bord na Mona or ESB or social and family events to forward them on to us so that they may be used in the photographic exhibitions. It would be made all the better if you could include name of the people in the photographs. Please put your name on anything you leave in as we want to credit your input and be able to return them to you.
New week we will furnish you with an address to forward the photographs online or you can leave them in to O’Brien’s for collection.
Junior Infants Open Day
Lanesboro Primary School is inviting all prospective new junior infant children to their Open Afternoon in the school at 1pm on Thursday 4th June.
There will be the opportunity to meet their new teacher, see their new school, see their new classroom and to become familiar with the school.
Lough Ree Access For All
The lough Ree Access For All is running accessible and able bodied boat tours 3 times daily during the summer months. The services supplied are a Riverside Café, Sensory Shed, Virtual Reality experience, Powerboat training courses, and Lake Boat hire. You can see the full facilities on the website www.loughreeboattrips.com ; email info@accessforallboatrips.com or phone 089 262 5505.
GaelForce Weekend Success
Last weekend the GaelForce entourage rolled into town for their annual Great River Swim on Saturday. With them, they brought many other activities and experiences and the local Tidy Towns teams of Lanesboro and Ballyleague and a local community team led by Sean Mimnagh and Longford Tourism led by Colm Croffy and Fáilte Ireland led by Michael Brady, brought that extra quality and added value to what was a great weekend.
The weather particularly on Sunday was the great spoiler but Friday evening and Saturday from midday was kind, (despite the weather forecast), and it showed our community off in picture postcard fashion.
From the first event and a packed church in the iconic St. John’s, the underage busking on the street on Saturday and live music on the street to the final event of the Kiddies Disco on Sunday evening the whole weekend was an amazing success for our community and it is ample evidence that we as a community can host, produce and deliver any event or occasion that comes our way.
Despite the chilling wind the GaelForce swim on Saturday was remarkable for the huge numbers taking part and the distances they swam. The shortest distance was the 800m from the Access For All building to the small harbour behind the car park. The next distance was 3.5Km (over 2 mile), followed by the 5.8Km (3.60miles) and the extreme swim of 12Km (almost 7.50miles).
The pleasure is always ours to welcome GaelForce, all the competitors, their supporters and families to Lanesboro and Ballyleague and we hope they had a great time on their annual visit.
Tennis Coaching Opportunity
Are you interested in taking up tennis? Do your tennis skills need developing or honing? Tennis Coaching Longford has just been set up to help in Adult coaching, Junior coaching, 1:1 coaching and Schools coaching. If you are interested in learning more of this new coaching opportunity then you should phone 087 796 4553 or go online to www.crowetennis.com
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Teresa and Packie Reilly and family, Rathcline and to Carmel O’Shea, The Green on the death of Teresa and Carmel’s ‘
brother John Quinn, Tullamore, Co. Offaly who passed away on Saturday 9th May.
Songs that built a Nation.
The Roscommon Solstice Choir will present a very special show entitled “Songs that built a Nation” in the Roscommon Arts Centre in June 2026. This award winning Choir which has performed nationally and internationally has teamed up with well local playwright and historian Tommy Murray to perform a number of Concerts on Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June. Under the title “Songs that built a Nation” the Choir will present “Epic moments of Irish History as told in Ballads, Songs, Poems and Music.” Based on an original script by, our local Lanesboro man, Tommy Murray it will begin with the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798 and conclude with the War of Independence 1920-21.
During this traumatic and tumultuous time in our History, Ireland alternated between physical force and constitutional method in seeking Independence and Freedom. However in the midst of all this the Irish People composed music, wrote poetry and songs which helped to keep the flame of Rebellion and Resistance alight and lifted the spirits and morale of the nation. One must never underestimate the power of our musicians, poets and singers as they “fought” in their own way to keep the spirit of freedom alive.
Jimmy Hoban, PRO of the choir said that the show in June marked “a new and exciting adventure for the choir and displayed their willingness to innovate and experiment”. He noted that the choir had been involved in Historical Drama before with their participation in Tommy Murray’s’ production of “A Nation once Again” in 2016. He had particular praise for Tommy Murray whom he said “was synonymous with Drama in the midlands, both as an actor and a playwright with the ability to capture the very essence of the important moments of History, and present them in a dramatic and engaging way”. He said that the period of History covered in “Songs that Built a Nation” moved through the constitutional and physical force movements of that tumultuous and dramatic time ” as our poets, songwriters and musicians were busy keeping the flames of Independence and freedom burning in their own unique way”.
The concerts promise to be a wonderful musical and historical experience set against the rich tapestry that is Ireland’s History during this period. This is a show not to be missed in the Roscommon Arts Centre.
The shows will take place on Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June at 8.00pm with admission €20. Booking can be made at Roscommon Arts Centre, (090) 6625824, or www.roscommonartscentre.ie
Maneuvers to continue at the Power Station
Over the past few weeks the Defence Forces have been carrying out manoeuvres in the Power Station and the sights of people on the station and the sounds of gunfire was heard in the immediate area.
Other sectors of the Justice and Defence forces will be carrying our further manoeuvres over the coming weeks so we can expect to hear more noises coming from the station area.
This will all finish soon and the relative quietness of the community will again be reinstated.
It was great to see the power station being put to good use and while the facility remains hopefully others will avail of training there.
€15,000 still remains to be won
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery draw takes place every Tuesday morning in O’Brien’s at 10.30am. For the past number of months the jackpot has been static at its upper limit of €15,000 and with nobody having the correct numbers that €15,000 is still there to be won. The next draw takes on Tuesday 19th May, for the jackpot of €15,000. Don’t miss your opportunity to get hold of the full €15,000 or share in the money. The numbers drawn in the last draw on Tuesday 12th May were 9, 19, 24 and 25. The winners of the €50 prize were Colette and Harper, Mount Dillon, c/o O’Brien’s, and the three €20 prizes went to Breda Moran, Carraroe, Will Dennigan, c/o Mags and Mary Tiernan, Ferefad, Longford.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 12th May and every Tuesday morning afterwards. The brown envelopes cost €2 each or you can buy 3 envelopes for just €5.
We would like to encourage everyone in the community to join in the playing of this very vital weekly draw. Tickets are on sale throughout the town.
St. Faithleach’s Lotto Draw
The St. Faithleach’s Lotto draw took place in the clubhouse on Tuesday 12th May for a jackpot of €2,000. The numbers drawn were 4, 28, 29 and 30. Nobody had these numbers and the jackpot for 26th May will rise to €2,100. The winner of the €200 draw was Paddy O’Rourke.
Rathcline 50/50 Draw
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 11th May for a prize of €689. The winning ticket was in the name of Emma Winston, who was the recipient of the cheque for €689. As usual the winning cheque will be left in O’Brien’s for collection.
The Rathcline 50/50 draw takes place every Monday night in one of our local bars at 7.30pm. Your continued generous support is greatly appreciated as it is keeping the winning money at a high and exciting level every week – thank you.
Hurlers/Camógs and coaches required
The resurrection of hurling has continued to grow in the Rathcline club with young players coming from many areas to learn the skill of hurling.
The club is open to accepting many more youngsters from under 8 upwards and their parents with an interest in hurling.
The number of girls turning up to learn the skills of Camogie is very encouraging and it is hoped that with a few more numbers there will also be a very active number of Camogie teams. With the President Camogie Association, Brian Molloy, in his final year of National President it would be a tremendous boost to have his home club in Rathcline having teams representing both him and the area.
National Heritage Week
As previously mentioned in these notes The Shannonside Heritage Society will be holding a photographic exhibition to coincide with Irish Heritage week, which this year runs from the 15th-23rd August.
The theme this year is ‘Heritage at Risk’ and the exhibition will be held in St Mary’s hall.
We are looking in particular for any old photographs relating to: Bord na Mona, varies versions the Power Station, any domestic bog workings – cutting, harvesting, footing etc., any other photographs relative to other industrial works such as the Quarry, Tomato Farm, Windmill etc. etc.
Also, photographs of any lost buildings, buildings that have changed their use over the years, i.e. shops, pubs, hotels and any photographs of land and areas prior to development.
We are particularly keen to have any pictures that might show the river as a working environment, including any photos of the river banks packed with fishermen and boats as was often the case.
If you have any such photographs that you think will fit nicely with our exhibition then we would ask you to please:
Mark the back of the photograph with your name and phone number so that we can return them to you.
Leave them in an envelope with O’Brien’s Corner Shop marked for the attention of Andrew Knowles at Shannonside Heritage Society.
Please submit your photographs by 1st July 2026.
Alzheimer Café
The Longford Alzheimer Cafe will hold their monthly Alzheimer Café on Wednesday 27th May at 7.00pm in their office on Earl Street, Longford, opposite Mollaghan’s Furniture Store. Guest speaker on the night is Carla Flynn, Senior Occupational Therapist in Longford and her topic is ‘The Importance of Meaningful Activities and Routine for people living with Dementia ‘ The Café will then run on the last Wednesday of every month, with a different speaker and topic each month. The Alzheimer Café will provide a safe, warm and welcoming space for people with dementia, their family and friends, along with social and health care professionals to meet and exchange ideas and learnings. For Further information you can contact Eileen on 085 8724475 .The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline is open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm on 1800 341 341. and The Website is: www.alzheimer.ie
Farm Plastic Collection in June
Following a meeting last week to organise the annual ‘Farm Plastic’ collection for the coming season created their calendar dates. The St. Faithleach’s GAA grounds was once again nominated as one of the nationwide bring centres. The date scheduled for the local collection is Thursday 25th June.
The Material Type and the prices at the Bring centre are:
Silage Wrap / Pit covers – €60 per Half Tonne with Label Code
Small Fertiliser/ Feed Bags/ Liners from Bulk Bags/ Pallet plastic wrap – €10 per Bag (500kg Fertiliser size bag)
Bulk Fertiliser /Feed Bags (Liners Removed) – €10 per Bag (500kg Fertiliser size bag)
Chemical Drums (Triple rinsed/ NO OIL DRUMS) – €10 per Bag (500kg Fertiliser size bag)
Net/Twine – €10 per Bag (500kg Fertiliser size bag).
For any further information you are asked to check the www.farmplastics.ie website
Month of Mary: May Devotion
For the Month of May the Rosary will be recited in Cloontuskert Cemetery each Saturday at 12pm in honour of our Lady of the Rosary and to commend our loved ones to her care.
Thank you
With the annual VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, the 10km Charity Road Race, nearly upon us, will take place on the streets of Dublin on Bank Holiday Sunday 31st May. Teresa Kiernan, Gurteengar, will be taking part in this sold out event and she is taking part to raise vital funds for the County Longford Hospice Homecare CLG. To date there has been a tremendous generosity shown by the people of the community for which Teresa is deeply humbled. If you have not yet contributed you can do so at local shops.
Sunflower Days for Hospice
Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation would appreciate your kind assistance in helping them raise funds on National Sunflower Days for Hospice on Friday and Saturday 12th and 13th June. Sunflowers will be on sale at local stores in Roscommon on both dates. Any time you can give on any of those dates would be most appreciated. Contact 0949388666 or email info@hospice.ie
Very popular books back on the shelves
The long awaited copies of the very popular ‘In the Wake of the Bagger’ by Jack Harte have just arrived back on the shelves and they are on sale at just €14.
Kieran Feeney’s first book of poetry – Opaque sold out very quickly and in recent times more books have become available. The book of poetry is on sale in O’Brien’s costing €15.
Likewise with Daniel Mc Gann’s first book Odyssey, it has been a resounding local success and new stock. Daniel’s debut book is on sale in O’Brien’s at €20.
The Joker survives again
The Joker is on the rise once again and on Saturday night last the Joker was not cut from the deck of cards and another €100 will be added to the jackpot for next week. The Joker stands at €2,300 from the remaining 49 cards on Saturday night next 23rd May in the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse.
The €100 draw took place and the two winners were David Healy and Trish & Paul.
Be in with your chance to have a cut for the Joker by buying tickets online on the ClubSpot portal St. Faithleach’s, from any of the organising committee or in the clubhouse on Saturday night.
Short Breaks Scheme
Would you be interested in providing home from home short breaks for children & adults who have an intellectual disability? Corlann West, Homeshare Roscommon is recruiting host carers. Training and support will be provided. Tax exempt/Allowances paid. For further information email www.Homeshareroscommon@corlann.ie or phone Catherine on 090 6628500 / 087 2126607.
N. A Meetings
N.A. physical meetings on Tuesday nights from 8 – 9 p.m. in Room 13 at St. Coman’s Club,
Lanesboro ICA Guild
Lotto
Our lotto was held last Wednesday the 13th May in Lanesborough . No jackpot winner , congrats to the 3 lucky dip winners. Next draw will be on Wednesday 27th for a jackpot of €1,600. Thanks to all who continue to support the lotto and to the guilds for hosting.
Brown Bread Competition
The federation final of the brown bread competition will be held on Tuesday 26th May at our gardening evening. Any ingredients can be used but bread must be baked in a 2lb loaf tin, good luck to all and we hope to see a large entry on the night.
Gardening evening
Our gardening evening will be held on Tuesday 26th May and a lovely evening is promised. The evening will begin at 7pm and a full agenda will be sent out next week. Can we ask all guilds to supply a plate of goodies for the cuppa please.
May Walk
Our May walk is this Sunday 24th May at the Floating Boardwalk, Drumshambo, we will carpool from Fresh Today at 12 30pm and commence the walk at 1.30pm. We hope lots of members and non-members will attend, a nice lunch follows at the beautiful Distillery Cafe.
Bloom In the Park
We will be running a bus to bloom in the park on Saturday 30th May, the bus is open to all and the cost is members’ €10 non-members €20. The bus is filling up fast so if you would like to book a seat please contact olive on 086 8368277, you must book your own ticket to bloom.
Trip to The Lost Valley
Our trip to the Lost Valley takes place Sunday 21st June and we welcome non-members to join us for a lovely day out. The bus will leave Fresh Today, Longford at 8am. We will stop at Durkin’s Ballaghaderreen at 9am for tea, coffee and scones, costing €7 per person. We depart at 9.30am from Durkin’s to travel to The Lost Valley as our tour starts at 12pm, tour costs €30 each and lasts 3 hours, with a break half way for a cuppa and biscuits.
We then return to the Castlecourt Hotel Westport, for dinner at 4.30pm costing €42.50 per person, for a 3 course meal, including tea /coffee.
We depart Westport at 6.30pm and should arrive back in Longford approx. 8 30pm.
We hope as many as possible are able to come, on what should be a beautiful summer outing. You are advised to bring a bottle of water and an additional snack if you feel that you might need something to keep you going until dinner. Also, wear comfortable shoes and bring a rain jacket.
Total cost for ICA members is €89.50 which includes €10 bus charge.
Total cost for non ICA members is €99.50.
Members wishing to travel can arrange to pay the full amount at their June guild meeting, by putting the money in an envelope with their names clearly marked on the outside. Each guild president will collect these envelopes at their meeting and Olive will liaise with them thereafter. Alternatively, you may give your envelope to Olive at the Gardening evening in H Q later this month. Non Members please contact Rita Greene on 087 9772715 to book your seat and arrange payment.
Guild meeting
Our next monthly meeting takes places Wednesday 10th June in the Hub at 8pm. If you’ve ever been curious about ICA this is the perfect opportunity to meet the vibrant members of our guild. You’ll be treated to a cuppa and cake afterwards.
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
The club is extremely grateful for your on-going tremendous support.
Your link to support the new Ballyleague Community First Responder
We’re excited to announce the birth of Ballyleague Community First Responder (CFR), a collaborative effort led by Maciek Koczur, a paramedic and supervisor with the Roscommon Ambulance Service, who lives in Ballyleague. Last summer, Maciek issued a call to the community to form a volunteer group, and together with a local committee, we’re turning that call into action.
Key milestone: 12 dedicated volunteers are ready to train and serve as first responders in our community, with training coordinated by Miriam Burke, our Training Officer.
What we’re aiming for:
The installation of 6 new defibrillators at strategic locations around Ballyleague to ensure rapid access during cardiac emergencies.
Build a trained, ready team that can bridge the gap until advanced medical help arrives.
Why this matters:
An invaluable resource for Ballyleague, potentially increasing survival rates from cardiac events.
A community-driven approach to emergency readiness and neighbourly care.
How you can help:
Donations will go directly to equipment, training, and clothing for our responders.
All funds will support the on-going development of the CFR and the safety of our community.
Your link for supporting the Go Fund me campaign is https://gofund.me/ad43f1a20 and you are asked to be generous in your support.
Chit Chat
The local ‘Chit Chat’ group that meets between 10am and 12pm in Adie’s bar every Friday from 10am until 12 noon.
Cúl Camps advance notice
Longford GAA’s Kellogg’s sponsored Cúl Camp will take place at the Rathcline GAA club’s grounds in Clonbonny on Monday 29th June. As places for the camps are limited it is very important that parents register their youngsters early to be sure of a place.
Ballyleague Hall caretaker
Liam Garvey is caretaker of Ballyleague Hall. For all bookings and requests you can contact Liam on 085-1698032
Lanesboro Library
Parent & Toddler Morning
Join us Wednesdays from 11am – 12pm for our weekly parent and toddler morning.
Tea & Coffee provided and plenty of books, toys, and space for the little ones to enjoy. All Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie or 0433321291
Ciorcal Comhrá
Irish Conversation Group holds their meeting in Lanesboro Library on Thursdays from 5 – 5.45pm. To keep an eye on upcoming events, you can visit the library or online on longfordlibrary.ie and searching for library events. All Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie or 043332129
My Open Library
My Open Library gives patrons extended, staff-free access to the library from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year using their library card. Call into the library to learn how the system works, see a demonstration, and sign up for extended access. Whether you want to use the library to study after hours, pick up a book on the way home from work or get out of the house with your little ones on a rainy day, My Open Library can provide you the access you need!
To keep an eye on upcoming events, you can visit the library or online on longfordlibrary.ie and searching for library events.
All Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie or 0433321291.
One further talk by Paddy Joe
There will be one further talk by the legendary Paddy Joe Burke, and the talks will conclude on Thursday next 21st May with the topic ‘What can I do?’ The talk will begin at 7.30 p.m. in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Tickets are available at www.percyfrench.ie or call 090 6663794.
Coping Skills Program
“Seeking Safety” is a free coping skills program for women affected by trauma, mental health and/or addiction. Learn new ways to cope safely with your own triggers, impulses and symptoms and gain a more compassionate understanding of yourself and “take back your power from the impacts of trauma, mental health and/or addiction. The program is funded by the HSE and is being delivered in Castlerea and Boyle with a new group starting in Roscommon Town. For more information, please contact Lorraine in complete confidence. 094 96 21690/lcampbell@rwn.ie
Talk to the Samaritans
Are you struggling to cope with life? Do you think it would be a help to talk about your problem with a member of the Samaritans in total confidence and confidentially? It does not matter who you are, how you feel or what has happened to you, a private chat with the assurance of confidentially can mean a lot. The alternative to getting down is a chat with a member of the Samaritans and that facility is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year so do not hesitate calling the Freephone number 116123 for your support.
ALONE
Would you be willing to provide companionship to an older person locally? ALONE are seeking volunteers in your area. Full training and support provided. If interested, please apply via the ALONE website at www.alone.ie or for further information please contact us on volunteer@alone.ie or call 0818 222 024. If you are over 60 and would like to know more about the services ALONE can offer you, please call 0818 222 024.
Notes inclusions
Anybody that wants items included in the local notes is advised that they have their note with me on a Sunday night at the very latest. This is to ensure inclusion in the notes of the following week.
Lanesboro Garda Station
Lanesboro Garda Station has just posted a notice telling of its opening times where the station will have a member of the force in attendance for the public. Lanesboro station will be open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 11am. The station will be open at those times unless the local Garda is dealing with a situation that requires their attendance.
Co. Longford Citizens Advice Centre
Co. Longford Citizens Information Service has recently been restructured and is currently under new management.
They continue to provide free, impartial, and confidential information, advice, and advocacy services to the public on social services, rights, and entitlements. The range of areas covered by the citizens information centre are extremely wide including social welfare rights and entitlements and other social issues such as employment, health services, housing, education, family matters and consumer rights, all where people need access to information.
The way people access the services changed during Covid and now they currently deal with a large number of queries over the telephone, however, they continue to provide our drop-in times and welcome people to their face-to-face service five mornings a week from the Longford office. The services are provided by experienced trained Information Officers who are there to help you.
The centre is located on level 1 within Longford Shopping Centre and direction can be obtained at the reception desk from Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 5.00pm. The office closes for lunch from 1pm until 2pm.
Support Group
Relatives and friends of anyone who has an alcoholic problem are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral. The meetings take place every Tuesday evening at 7pm.
ALONE
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are still facing difficulties relating to Covid-19. Professional staff is available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm. Text TALK to 50808 to begin.
Local Health Service
The health service is here for us all, from routine to urgent calls. HSELive is here 7 days a week to answer questions. The number to ring is Freephone 1800 700700.
Roscommon University Hospital Injury Unit is available from 8am to 8pm seven days, a week and the contact number is 09066 32212.
Emergency Department deals with serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies if you need urgent medical help. They are open 24 hours a day and can be contacted by phoning 999 or 112.
St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro
Priest contacts: If you have a need to contact any one of the priests you can do so by phoning Fr. Merlyn Kenny 086 0603433 or Fr. Turlough Baxter 087 9972259.
You can also contact parish secretary Maireád Rooney by calling into the presbytery from Tuesday to Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30pm.or she can be contacted on the phone at 3321166.
Longford County Choir: The Longford County choir celebrated the 25th anniversary of their founding this year and a celebratory concert”25 Years of Harmony” will take place in St. Mel’s Cathedral on Sunday next 24th May at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Denniston’s, Farrell Stationery or from the presbytery. Tickets cost €15 each, €30 for a family of 2 adults + 2 children.
Mass reading reflections: A short reflection on the weekend mass readings will take place in the church after 7pm mass on Friday evenings.
Lourdes Diocesan Pilgrimage: The Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 30th May to 4th June and it will be led by Bishop Paul Connell. Flights are from Knock International Airport with fares beginning from €989 and rising to €1049. For more details contact JWT Pilgrimage Travel website or phone 01 2410 800. For those wishing to travel as Assisted Pilgrims, please contact Ann O’Reilly, 086 8312 785.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confession time in the Prayer Room takes place on the first Friday of each month from 6.30pm to 7pm.The next opportunity is on Friday 5th June.
Smart Recovery: Smart recovery is an evidence based addiction recovery group, where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour. There is a meeting every Friday evening in Vita House in Roscommon Town from 7pm to 8.30pm. For information contact Conor at 086 1702919 or info@smartrecovery.ie
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland: The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is open six days a week Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The society provides an opportunity for all of us to stand together and support people with dementia. Their phone number is 1800 341 341 and their website is www.alzheimer.ie
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Caretaker: Liam Garvey is now caretaker of Ballyleague Hall. For all bookings and requests you can contact Liam on 085-1698032
Newsletter inclusion: Any items you want included in the newsletter you must email the contents to kilgefinparish21@gmail.com on or before the Wednesday of that week.
Medjugorje Pilgrimage: The Medjugorje Pilgrimage will take place from the 21st – 28th October, from Knock €915 (Single Supplement €170). There is limited availability so early booking is advisable. Spiritual Director for the pilgrimage is: Fr. John Keane. The costs include flights/ accommodation/meals/programme. For information and bookings please contact Christina 0861546099 or Carol 0879581495
Dioceses of Achonry And Elphin Pilgrimage To Lourdes –
Assisted Pilgrim Section: The Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 28th August – 2nd September inclusive, under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Doran. Pilgrimage highlights includes Mass at the Grotto, Torchlight and Blessed Sacrament Processions, Anointing of the Sick, Water Ceremony. Flights are ex Knock Airport. The Pilgrimage includes the Assisted Pilgrim Section. Those who travel as part of the Assisted Pilgrim Section will stay in Accueil Notre Dame, which is situated near the Grotto and Sanctuary area. They will be cared for by the Diocesan Pilgrimage Care Team whilst in Lourdes. Application forms for the Assisted Pilgrim Section and full details are available from Very Rev. Ray Milton, P.P., Pilgrimage Director, St. John’s, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon. (Tel: 090 666 1115). Closing date for receipt of completed Application Forms is 11th June. All other enquiries in relation to the Pilgrimage can be directed to Joe Walsh Tours (JWT) at 016852244 or email info@joewalshtours.ie
The Knock Youth Leadership Programme (Knock Shrine) is for adults interested in setting up or developing youth ministry initiatives in their parish. Participants will gain the skills, knowledge & confidence to journey with young people, supporting them as they explore their faith in a safe and welcoming environment. Starting in September ’26 (the application deadline is this coming Friday 22nd May). More info at youthministry@knockshrine.ie
St. Faithleach’s GAA Club
● Keep your eyes peeled for the Connacht Cups going on tour around the National Schools. 5 Cups from Ladies u-16 & Minor Teams and the Men’s Minor, U-20 & Senior Teams. Get your camera’s ready for some historic photos. The Coaching Officer will know more about the dates they’re coming to your school.
● Senior League: Topline Wards O’Gara Cup (Division 2)
Round 4 Results: St. Faithleach’s (1-22): St. Brigid’s (1-10)
Round 6 Results: St. Faithleach’s (1-14): St. Croan’s (0-07)
Round 7 Results: St. Faithleach’s (0-19): Shannon Gaels (1-11)
Round 8 will take place against Elphin on Friday 22nd May at 8.00pm in Ballyleague.
● Junior League: Cryan’s Hotel (Division 4)
Round 5 Results: St. Faithleach’s (2-11): Tulsk (4-11)
Round 6 will take place against St Brigid’s C on Friday 29th May at 8.00pm in Ballyleague.
● Ladies Junior League (Division 4) League concludes
● U-16 Ladies League (Division 2B) concludes
Semi-Finals Results: St. Faithleach’s (3-07): Kilbride (4-12)
● U-14 Boys League (Division 3) concludes
Round 6 Results: St. Faithleach’s (2-11): St Croan’s (1-06)
Round 7 Results: St. Faithleach’s (3-07): St Ciaraín’s (4-12)
● U-14 Ladies League (Division 3):
Round 4 Results: St. Faithleach’s (4-04): Michael Glavey’s (8-06)
Round 5 will take place against Eire Óg on Thursday 4th June at 7pm in Ballyleague.
● Social Dancing – continues tonight Monday 18th May at 8.30pm for the last class of 4.
● Cards: 25 game continues every Tuesday evening in the clubhouse
● Joker Draw: No Joker was found this weekend. The new Jackpot is €2,300, with 49 cards plus the Joker. The draw takes place every Saturday night in the clubhouse. Tickets available on the night, on our ClubSpot App or online (https://member.clubspot.app/club/st-faithleachs-gaa/fundraisers). *Last Jackpot winner was bought online